Launch Your Career as a Physical Scientist with the USGS

Are you passionate about geoscience and public safety? The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is currently inviting applications for a Physical Scientist position within the renowned Earthquake Science Center. This role is central to the operation of the ShakeAlert system—the innovative earthquake early warning technology that keeps millions of Americans safe.

Job Responsibilities

As a Physical Scientist, you will serve as a key leader within the ShakeAlert Communication, Education, Outreach, and Technical Engagement (CEO&TE) network. Your daily work will involve:

Leading inter-agency collaboration with federal, state, and local partners.
Translating complex seismic data into educational content for public audiences.
Planning and facilitating technical workshops and stakeholder meetings.
Curating content for ShakeAlert’s social media and web platforms.
Participating in 24/7 on-call duty rotations for seismic events.

Comparison of Job Locations

Feature	Moffett Field, CA	Seattle, WA
Salary Range (GS-12)	$111,896 - $145,468	$100,602 - $130,786
Region	Silicon Valley	Pacific Northwest
Focus	Seismic Resilience/Tech	Urban/Cascadia Hazards

Requirements

To be considered for this high-impact position, you must meet stringent federal criteria:

Education: A 4-year degree in a relevant physical science, math, or engineering field, including at least 24 semester hours of specialized coursework.
Experience: One year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage projects, communicate technical concepts, and analyze scientific data.
Administrative: A valid driver's license, U.S. Citizenship, and passing a background investigation.

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary based on geographic pay scales. Beyond the base pay, federal employees enjoy an extensive benefits package including health insurance, generous leave policies, and a robust retirement system (FERS). The role also qualifies for telework opportunities to promote work-life balance.

Application Tips

Respect the 2-Page Limit: Your resume must be two pages maximum. Hiring managers will not read overflow pages.
Be Specific: Include hours worked per week for every job listed to ensure your experience is credited correctly.
Submit Early: With a 75-application cap, those who apply early have the best chance of being reviewed.

This position offers a unique chance to bridge the gap between hard science and public outreach. If you are ready to apply your technical skills to improve national seismic awareness, submit your application before the November 2, 2026, deadline.

Why This Physical Scientist Job Matters

Join the USGS Earthquake Science Center and play a pivotal role in the nation’s seismic resilience through the innovative ShakeAlert Early Warning system.

Physical Scientist Job Overview

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is seeking a dedicated Physical Scientist to join the Earthquake Science Center. In this role, you will lead critical communications and outreach efforts for the ShakeAlert system, translating complex geological data into actionable information for stakeholders. This role involves developing educational strategies, managing stakeholder networks, and maintaining a high-impact digital presence. The position requires a proactive, collaborative approach to public safety and natural hazard preparedness.

Requirements for Physical Scientist

U.S. Citizenship or National status.
Completion of a 4-year degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics with at least 24 semester hours in related sciences.
One year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
Must possess a valid State driver's license and maintain a safe driving record.
Participation in 24/7 on-call duty rotations.
Completion of a one-year probationary period.
Registration with the Selective Service (for males born after 12-31-1959).

Preferred Qualifications for Physical Scientist

Demonstrated experience in independent or team-based scientific research.
Proven track record in executing community engagement or outreach campaigns.
Experience in STEM education within academic or public settings.
Familiarity with natural hazard preparedness, mitigation, and emergency management protocols.
Advanced technical competence in communicating complex scientific data to non-technical audiences.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Health and Life Insurance programs
✓Retirement planning through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
✓Flexible telework opportunities
✓Professional development and training

💡 How to Apply Physical Scientist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physical Scientist Job

Prepare a concise, 2-page federal resume following the specific formatting guidelines (10-point font, 0.5-inch margins).
Gather all academic transcripts, ensuring they clearly display your major, credit hours, and institution.
Create or update your USAJOBS account profile.
Submit your complete application, including the online questionnaire, through the USAJOBS portal before the cutoff.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; any content exceeding this will not be reviewed.
Clearly indicate 'full-time' or 'part-time' status with hours worked per week for every position listed.
Ensure your resume explicitly addresses the specialized experience requirements mentioned in the job description.
Submit your application early, as this position may close after the first 75 applications are received.
Double-check all attachments, ensuring they are not Adobe portfolio files or images of yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework available for this position?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, subject to supervisory approval.

What happens if the 75-application limit is reached?

The vacancy will automatically close at midnight Pacific Time on the day the 75th application is received, even if the original closing date has not passed.

Do I need to submit official transcripts immediately?

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable during the application phase, but official copies will be required if you are selected for the position.

Job from Geological Survey

The Department of the Interior’s U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) serves as the nation's primary source for earth-science research. The Earthquake Science Center specifically focuses on monitoring seismic activity and developing actionable data to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. Joining this team means contributing to a mission that protects lives, manages natural resources, and delivers critical information to decision-makers across the country.